Key Takeaways
- The US is reviewing changes to its premium immigration processing system.
- Processing times for fast-track visa applications may be extended.
- The proposed rule is currently under review at the White House.
The United States is considering changes to its premium immigration processing system, which could increase waiting times for applicants who pay additional fees for faster decisions. This move is part of a broader review of the premium processing deadlines followed by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to the sources, the proposed rule was submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on October 13 and is currently under review. The changes could extend the current processing deadlines, which range from 15 to 45 business days, depending on the application type.
USCIS offers premium processing for certain immigration applications at an additional cost, ranging from $1,780 to $2,965. The service requires the agency to take action within the specified timeframe, which may include issuing a decision, requesting additional evidence, or sending a notice of intent to deny. Under the existing rules, Form I-140 petitions for EB-1C multinational managers and executives and EB-2 national interest waivers have a processing deadline of 45 business days. Employment authorization applications for F-1 students seeking optional practical training under Form I-765, along with Form I-539 applications for changes of status to F, M, or J categories, have a 30-business-day deadline. Other eligible Form I-140 petitions and Form I-129 applications have a 15-business-day processing period.
The agency has reportedly exceeded these deadlines more frequently in recent months, despite collecting additional fees from applicants. USCIS last increased premium processing fees in March 2026 as part of its biennial inflation adjustment.
Once the proposal clears White House review, it will be published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of 30 to 60 days. The changes will not take effect until the regulation is finalized, a process that could take several months.
The proposed changes are part of a broader review of the premium processing system, which aims to ensure that the service remains effective and efficient. The agency is seeking to balance the need for faster processing with the realities of increased demand and resource constraints.
